Compare Enchanting Canyonlands by Globus vs Utah's National Parks from Las Vegas by Tours of Distinction

Day 1: ARRIVE IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Las Vegas with the free time to stroll the bright lights of the Strip, maybe throw a few dice, or try your hand at the slot machines. Your Tour Director has all the tips you need to experience Vegas in style. Check your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and dining suggestions as well!

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Day 2: LAS VEGAS–GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA

Life is Grand Leave the bright neon lights of Las Vegas behind and cross the old Mojave gold-strike country. Travel on a stretch of the legendary Route 66 to Grand Canyon National Park. There’s time to wander along the canyon rim, join a ranger-led program, or simply savor the sunset. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Grand Canyon National Park spans 278 miles of the Colorado River on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Marvel at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World as you experience the dramatic views across one of the most spectacular examples of landscapes carved by water and wind found anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim.

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Day 3: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK–LAKE POWELL

Taking the Plunge For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional flightseeing excursion over the heart of the Grand Canyon for incomparable views of crimson canyon walls plunging 4,800 feet into the Colorado River. Later this morning, we travel north to the shining shores of Lake Powell, created in 1963 when the Glen Canyon Dam held back the waters of the mighty Colorado River, forming a vast blue lake surrounded by beautiful sandstone walls. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SCENIC TREASURES Tucked among the red rocks canyon and mesas on the Colorado Plateau, Glen Canyon has been carved by the Colorado River, its several tributaries, powerful wind, and time. Sharing this spectacular region of the American Southwest is Lake Powell and its vast blue waters. Explore the history of more than 10,000 years of culture and exploration with stories that highlight the deep connection between the landscape and the people who have called it home.

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Day 4: LAKE POWELL

Earth, Wind & Water This morning, explore [LF] Antelope Slot Canyon with a local Navajo guide. The rest of the day is free in Lake Powell, where sparkling blue water laps against towering red-rock canyon walls and sandy beaches. (Breakfast)

LOCAL FAVORITE
NATURAL WONDERS Join a local Navajo guide to explore the spectacular shapes, light, and geological wonders of Antelope Slot Canyon. You’ll be mesmerized by an amazing fantasy world of stone, created by wind and water. Learn the history of this amazing canyon—a photographer’s dream!

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE at Lake Powell to enjoy all the amenities your resort offers. Consider an optional flightseeing trip over Lake Powell for a new perspective of the vast rugged area seeing the famous Rainbow Bridge and Glen Canyon Dam.

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Day 5: LAKE POWELL–MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK

Campfire Stories This morning, continue into Navajo country to Goulding’s Lodge in the heart of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. As you approach the lodge, witness one of the most dramatic and photographed points on earth. Upon arrival, take a dip in the pool and admire the Western sky above or perhaps explore the Goulding’s Museum and Trading Post, home to a wonderful collection of movie memorabilia and Indian artifacts. Tonight, travel with a Navajo guide into the red rock backcountry for a private [LF] Navajo backcountry cookout. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Join a Navajo Guide for an authentic experience in the red rock backcountry with a private cookout around the fire. Hear fascinating stories of legends and folklore that bring this remarkable region to life.

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Day 6: MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK–MOAB, UTAH

Four-Wheeling & Weaving Stories In the cool hours of morning, set out on a [LF] 4-wheel-drive backcountry tour with a Local Navajo Guide. Later, we continue north to Moab, an outdoor mecca, for a relaxing 2-night stay at Red Cliffs Lodge on the Colorado River. Enjoy a [LF] Western BBQ overlooking the Colorado River. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
EPIC RIDE Explore the Monument Valley with a local Navajo guide in an open-air safari vehicle to explore exclusive areas of the park in the coolness of morning. Be awed by the amazing landscapes and desert rock formations while learning about the beautiful customs and traditions of the Navajo Nation. Later, you’ll gaze at Moab’s Colorado River views while feasting at a traditional Western BBQ.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Settle into the luxurious Western charm of Red Cliffs Lodge high on the banks of the Colorado River for a ranch-style experience in the wide-open spaces where classic movie Westerns like Rio Grande, with famed legend John Wayne, were filmed.

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Day 7: MOAB. EXCURSION TO ARCHES NATIONAL PARK-CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK-DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK

Crimson Canyons This morning, we visit Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch. Be on the lookout for the elusive desert big horn sheep high on the cliff sides. Next, on to magnificent Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park for aerial views of winding river through deep red rock canyons. The remainder of the day is yours to relax at your resort. Wander through the onsite Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage, enjoy the outdoor pool (seasonal), or simply relax taking in the views of 2,000 foot cliffs that surround the resort. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Explore the magnificent views of Canyonlands National Park to see deep canyons stretching across the Colorado Plateau, an intricate canyon labyrinth with a million crimson hues. Then, on to Dead Horse Point State Park to see a vast mesa with an incredible view of the Colorado River as it twists through a gooseneck canyon 2,000 feet below.

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Day 8: MOAB–CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK–BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

This morning, drive along Utah’s Journey Through Time Scenic Byway and through Capitol Reef National Park. Continue through the land of natural bridges, narrow canyons, and expansive views to Bryce Canyon National Park. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SCENIC WONDERS Journey Through Time Scenic Byway and Capitol Reef National Park amid dramatic and diverse, remote, and ruggedly beautiful landscapes. Drive through the pristine environment where the land bends into a giant ripple having been tortured and twisted over millions of years. Marvel at the twists and turns over hogbacks, slick rock, and through steep canyons. Keep your camera handy as this route is one of the most spectacular drives in North America.

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Day 9: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Rock Stars A day of rich contrasts leads you to a full day to explore Bryce Canyon National Park. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Explore Bryce Canyon’s fantastically sculpted rock formations called Hoodoos that resemble castle towers, cathedral spires, and squatting goblins. As the light changes throughout the day, the natural amphitheaters and canyons glow between distinct oranges, reds, and yellows creating a striking background for photographic masterpieces. Spend the day hiking into the park’s natural amphitheaters, photographing the changing light on the Hoodoos, or searching for one of the dozens of species that call this unique place home.

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Day 10: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK–ZION NATIONAL PARK–LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Stones that Touch the Sky After breakfast, say goodbye to the Hoodoos and descend into a stunning ½-mile-deep canyon for Zion National Park. Enjoy a boxed picnic lunch on the front lawn of Zion Lodge with free time to explore. Continue to Las Vegas where your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATIONAL PARK PERFECTION Meaning a place of peace and refuge known to nourish the soul, Zion’s sandstone walls rise thousands of feet above the valleys and cliffs high above the canyon floor’s lush greenery and snaking Virgin River. Here, Native people and pioneers first gazed skyward at soaring cliffs of cream, pink, and red piercing the brilliant blue sky.

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Day 11: LAS VEGAS

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of Las Vegas? Extra nights are available for purchase. (Breakfast)

Day 1 - Arrive Las Vegas, NV

Today, transfer to the airport for your flight to Las Vegas. Upon our arrival, we transfer to our hotel on the Las Vegas strip. This evening, there is a Tours of Distinction exclusive welcome reception with the remainder of the evening free to explore the vibrant nightlife that is Vegas.

Day 2 - Grand Canyon Village, AZ

After breakfast, we depart Las Vegas and travel past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam as we enter Arizona. We stop in Kingman to tour the Route 66 Museum, which highlights the glory days of cross country automobile travel. We travel Route 66 heading east through northern Arizona. This afternoon, we will see “One of the Wonders of the World,” Grand Canyon National Park. This 1.2 million acre national park hosts a vast variety of wildlife and scenic wonders. We will learn about the geology and history of the canyon while taking in its breathtaking beauty at all the best view points along the South Rim, including Grand Canyon Village. After, we check into our hotel just outside of the park. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 3 - Lake Powell, UT

Breakfast is included this morning before we make one more pass along the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. We include a stop at Desert View before exiting the park. Then, enter the Navajo Nation with a rest stop at Cameron Trading Post with time to explore the amazing gift shop.  Next travel past the Vermillion Cliffs as you make your way to Page for an included lunch.  Then take a spectacular tour through Antelope Canyon.  The mysterious and haunting beauty of Antelope Canyon awaits the adventurous traveler who seeks to discover one of the most spectacular attractions of the Lake Powell area.  A tour to this awe-inspiring sculpture set in stone is a must for amateur and professional photographers alike.  An optional short hike to Horseshoe Bend for a stunning view of the Colorado River is available.  Arrive Lake Powell Resort with the evening free to explore and have dinner on your own.

Day 4 - Monument Valley

The morning starts with breakfast and a scenic cruise on Lake Powell. The contrast of the red rock walls and emerald blue waters are a stunning sight as we glide through the canyons. After, there is time for lunch, on own. This afternoon, we depart Lake Powell and travel to famed Monument Valley, a sacred place to the Navajo. We will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the ‘Dineh’ people. Their arts, music and livelihood are all closely tied to the dramatic desert landscape that is their home. After checking in to our hotel, we meet our Navajo guide and board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a scenic tour of Monument Valley; location for scores of famous western films, television programs and commercials. As we travel through the valley and visit famous locations, such as John Ford Point, Artist Point and The Totem Pole, we will also learn more of the Navajo traditions and way of life. This evening, we experience Navajo culture, food and entertainment at a Navajo Cookout. After a wonderful day, we settle into our hotel.

Day 5 - Arches National Park

After breakfast, we depart Monument Valley and head north, arriving at Dead Horse Point State Park for a picnic lunch and one of the most spectacular scenes in the southwest. We have the chance to see the expanse of Canyonlands National Park stretching to the south and the mighty Colorado River 2,000 feet below. From here, we are off to nearby Arches National Park for sightseeing. The 18,000 square-foot visitor center (with over 2,000 named arches within its 73,000-acre boundary) will introduce us to the unique geologic forces that created the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. We visit all of the park’s highlights including: Park Avenue, Balance Rock, The Windows and Delicate Arch. In the late afternoon, we embark on a fabulous experience, as we take a Jet Boat Ride on the mighty Colorado River through spectacular red rock canyons. As the sun dips in the west, the canyon colors come to life while we learn about the river’s ecosystem, geology and history. After the thrilling ride, we enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner served on the banks of the Colorado River. We later arrive at the beautiful Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge which is located on the bank of the mighty Colorado, and check in for a two night stay. This area has been the site of numerous classic western movies including Rio Grande with John Wayne.

Day 6 - Canyonlands National Park

Our day starts after breakfast by meeting our professional driver guide and board 4x4 vehicles for a Jeep Tour of Canyonlands National Park. The Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is the focus of this outstanding tour. Set 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, we descend from the top of the mesa via the famous Shafer Trail. Using switchbacks, the tour will take us from atop the mesa to the meandering river corridor below. Throughout the tour, our guide will provide information on the Park and the scenery. What an exciting morning in Canyonlands! Enjoy free time in Moab to have lunch on own, and to do some shopping and exploring. This afternoon, we return to Red Cliffs where we have the rest of the day free to relax and soak in the scenery. There is time to visit the Utah Movie Museum and the Castle Creek Winery, both included, at your leisure. Dinner, this evening, will be served outside with the quintessential western scenery of Castle Valley in full view.

Day 7 - Bryce Canyon National Park

From breakfast, we depart Moab for Capitol Reef National Park. We pass through the town of Green River and the San Rafael Swell. We will see ancient petroglyphs, beautiful rock formations, deep canyons and pioneer history followed by a wonderful picnic lunch under towering cottonwood trees. We will drive scenic Highway 12, designated as an ‘All American Road,’ through Grand Staircase ~ Escalante National Monument, before arriving at Bryce Canyon National Park for sightseeing. Later, we check into our hotel for the evening. This evening is free to enjoy dinner, on own.

Day 8 - Zion National Park - Depart Las Vegas

We depart after breakfast on a short drive to see Utah’s oldest and most famous national park, Zion National Park. The Paiutes believed mischievous spirits lived among the 2,000-foot high towers and would not enter the canyon alone or remain there after dark. There will be time for lunch on own before crossing the desert returning to the glitz and glam of Las Vegas. After an amazing trip through some of our nation’s greatest natural treasures, we enjoy a farewell dinner before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.